B1nounnatureenvironment
US/ɪkˈstɪŋk.ʃən/
UK/ɪkˈstɪŋk.ʃən/
the complete disappearance of a species of animal or plant
In context
Many species of frog are now facing extinction.
Hunting drove the dodo to extinction in the seventeenth century.
Scientists warn that we are in a mass extinction event.
Words that go with extinction
verb + noun
- face extinctionTigers could face extinction within a few decades.
noun + preposition
- on the brink of extinctionThe rhino is on the brink of extinction.
- risk of extinctionHabitat loss raises the risk of extinction.
verb + preposition
- drive to extinctionPollution has driven some fish to extinction.
adjective + noun
- mass extinctionFossils show evidence of a mass extinction.
adjective + preposition
- threatened with extinctionThe bird is threatened with extinction.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The animal is in danger of extinct.Correct: The animal is in danger of extinction.